Anyone else like cardoons?

[Drahthaardogs]

Fall is here, and I just finished blanching my crop of cardoons. Cleaned the first bunch and made a nice cardoon casserole with bechamel sauce, Parmesan, and some homemade breadcrumbs. I LOVE the fall and I love cardoons!

[madinmaryland]

1. What is that?

:shrug:

[Drahthaardogs]

2. A very European dish, particularly in Italy and Spain.

They are related to artichokes, but look like a celery. A lot of work to grow and even more to clean and prepare, but they are such a treat!

[Denninmi]

3. I have the most awesome cardoons growing this fall.

It has been drenching rains here every few days ever since late July, and they must be 4 feet tall.

I've never eaten them, though, just grew them to be pretty. I've heard they taste a lot like artichoke hearts.

Maybe I'll try blanching a couple -- wrap in dark paper or similar, right?

[Drahthaardogs]

4. Yes, or newspaper, etc.

I used weed barrier. Tie them up (I used duct tape) then wrap them with the paper for about three weeks. Then cut the stem at the base, cut the leaves, trim the edges of the stalk to remove the spines, and pull the strings from the back (not as hard as they make it sound). Then into acidulated water. Boil them in salted water until very tender and I promise you will LOVE them if you like artichokes. I like them lightly breaded and sauteed in olive oil or like above with the bechamel and breadcrumbs.

[pacalo]

5. Yes, I LOVE cardoons!!!

My favorite cardoon is "Da Brave Liddle Doasder"